Greetings, Steppers!
So today I have a tiny announcement: I’m changing Shoestring101’s overall look, feel, and message.
Heh… okay, maybe that’s a BIG announcement. đ
Thing is, for about a year now my message, medium and mission hasn’t really felt exactly right.
It’s because of going back and forth between too many types of marketing and business ideas. I feel like Shoestring101 has been too scattered, without the kind of focus that takes a reader through a clear path to success in what they want to do.
Sometimes articles have been just me thumping my chest and saying, “Look, I did this and so can you.”
Relevance and focus are essential… and the focus needs to be on what YOU want. If perhaps  I might have a missing piece of the puzzle, that’s what we’ll talk about here from now on.
No more, no less.
A business owner has 99 problems. But generating new business doesn’t have to be one of ’em. -Kurt Frankenberg
SO! That said, I do have a few things to offer. I’ve written prolifically about some of them. See, as a serial entrepreneur I successfully:
- Did multi-level marketing
- Opened a number of martial arts clubs and studios and
- ^ trained others to do the same
- Began a lawn care business
- Began a window cleaning company
- Authored an information product and subscription with over $2MM in sales (no, it isn’t about entrepreneurship)
- Wrote a book about structuring your startup to be profitable from day one
…and a whole pile of other stuff that wasn’t as successful.
Trouble is, by yammering on about information products one week… social media and blogging another month… building a local service business yet another month… and running my sticks-and-bricks storefront business another…
…I’ve tried to be ALL things to ALL people.
And it just ain’t working out.
There’s no continuity, no clear path for my readers.
And I have the BEST readers ever… I don’t want to lose any of ’em.
But the time has come that I’ll have to narrow focus and concentrate on just one thing.
The Old Premise of Shoestring101
I began Shoestring101 with the Five Steps to Five Figures and a message that anyone that wants to start a business, CAN start a business.
And they can do it with less capital than you might take out of the first hour of a garage sale.
It’s easier now than ever. When I began my journey of entrepreneurship, marketing a business was very different. I tried everything from flyers and door hangers… to direct mail… to print, radio and television advertising… and of course the key to most advertising success was the Yellow Pages.
Some things worked and some didn’t. Some things that worked gangbusters for one of my businesses were a total dud for others, and vice versa.
And finding out what did work and what didn’t by trial and error was expensive, I can tell you. For example, a television ad that cost $6,000 to produce got me one customer. Ouch.
Along the way, as I was working out what worked for my particular businesses and what didn’t… things began to CHANGE (hello, Internet!) and then change even more (Oh, hello again, 2.0 and social media!)
My premise for Shoestring101 was that anyone that wants to start a business, can start a business. And of course… that I’m the guy to show you how to start ANY kind of business.
The New PROMISE of Shoestring101
(see what I did there? A little play on words.. I went from “premise” to “promise”… đ )
So, again. Rather than trying to be all things to all people… rather than trying to be your go-to guy for publishing an info product, or your all-knowing guru for how to start up a service business… your fella to yak with about Periscope and Twitter and blogging…
We’re taking it down to ONE subject and one subject only:
…I think that what SOME of my readers need, and that I’m uniquely qualified to do, is to help you to design automatic marketing systems for your existing, local business.
A business owner has 99 problems. But generating new business doesn’t have to be one of ’em.
So maybe I’ll lose my “startup” audience. Darn it.
Maybe I’ll lose my global “internet marketing” and “information product” audience. Don’t want to, but it may happen.
I may lose bloggers and social media peoples and  multilevel marketing folks and a whole host of other demographics that faithfully folow this blog.
But that’s okay.
After running Shoestring101 for four years the audience that I speak to best, the audience that I need and that needs me back… have pretty much identified themselves.
The ladies and gents that I want to speak to from here out are basically ME… ten, twenty, even (almost to the date for my first business) thirty years ago.
These are folks that already own a business… and are too dang busy working INÂ their business, to work ON their business.
The lifeblood of any business is new customers. And this part I’ve pretty much got figured out.
I want to be for you what and who I needed… way back when… to save you a lot of headaches, time, and money.
Thirty years ago I had begun a business and like it or not, had to learn and adapt to the changing landscape of marketing a small business. There were ways to automate getting leads and customers back then, and there are now.
And as many hats as a small biz owner has to wear, the LAST thing they need is the pressure of scaring up new business all the time.
It needs to become automatic.
Steppers, let me tell you this one thing: I did LOTS of business ideas over the last three decades. But I never broke six figures until I did this one thing: designed an automated, self-correcting marketing machine.
I did it in the era B.I.– Before Internet… and learned all over again how to do it now.
Heh… it’s easier now. Lots easier.
But ya gotta know some things.
Let me share with you.
The new promise of Shoestring101 is to help you identify your USP (Unique Selling Proposition), how to get it out to the right people in the right way at the right time… to put greeeeeen in your pocket, right now…
…and not have to reinvent the freakin’ wheel to get there.
I’ll be serving up actionable, step-by-checklisted-step guides for you to get a number one spot on Google for your local business…
…how to capture email and telephone leads automatically using mobile-friendly webforms…
…how to create an airtight followup system to pump fresh customers into your business and cash into your pocket…
…how to follow up even MORE to win repeat customers, referrals, upsells and back-end business…
…and ways to test any new biz idea without risking a dime of yours or anyone else’s money.
You in?
đ
Your New Best Friends For Marketing Your Business, Especially if It’s Local
Learning to market several different types of small businesses was an EXPENSIVE education, especially before internet. I wasted so much money on the wrong things, or worse… doing the right things the wrong way.
I could have used a guide back then.
It woulda saved… and MADE… me so much money.
Ever wish you could go back in time with what you know now and impart that wisdom to your younger self?
Let me be that voice for you.
I’ll give you what I have now, that I needed then: the knowledge that the right words, delivered in the right manner to the right people at the right time… can make you more money than you can keep up with.
There are specific, duplicatable formulas for discovering what words, manners, people and timing are best for YOU and YOUR business. And I can shortcut that process for you.
That’s going to be our focus around here from here out.
Okay Steppers! Mad, glad or confused? Let me know what you think about Shoestring101’s new direction. Put your comments or questions in the box below, or better yet send me an email. Let me know what I can do specifically for YOU.
Keep Stepping,
Kurt
Hi There Kurt,
Where have you been all my life ????
I have just stumbled, indeed fell upon your blog – no idea how in the rabbit warren of googling I came here but here I am and sooooo glad – it was meant to be đ
We are small biz owners in the construction industry & gee whiz the GFC was tough – so I took on the marketing, and in the evenings made the website, discovered Animoto & started our vids (which I LOVE doing by the way), listed on local biz directories, learnt SEO etcetera.
All the time teaching myself mostly via those IM goorus & discovered many dubious personalities, useless info in relation to local and hype , hype, hype – which didn’t go down well with moi – a non IM, bricks & mortar local biz gal.
And obviously now I am sooooo thrilled to find my very own trust worthy, no holds bar, plain speaking local bricks & mortar marketing gooru – I am an instant fan đ
I am such a big supporter of the hard working local bizznesses – do we, they need, all the help possible.
Look forward to all & everything you can dish out in your laser focused blog.
Cheers alison
Alison recently posted…Concrete Waterproofing Membranes
Twitter: shoestring101
says:
Ayyy Alison!
Thanks for the kind words. “When the Student is ready, the Teacher will appear.”
Having said that, I am not THE ultimate source of all things marketing… but I know that guy đ Any Q’s I can answer, any tips I can share, I will… beyond that we’ll get you pointed in the right direction.
Thanks for your email and letting me know what you’re about and doing right now. After making your family’s local biz grow great guns, maybe you can offer your video skillz as a service to some of your fellow Aussies. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet.
As you know, my YouTube channel “Shoestring101” will be up and running very soon. We’ll have the opportunity for some mutual critiques and help then as well.
Keep Stepping,
Kurt
Kurt Frankenberg recently posted…Six For Saturday; How I’m Staying Current with Digital Marketing
Twitter: SEOPlusMore
says:
Hey Kurt, I love that line – “Relevance and focus are essential⌠and the focus needs to be on what YOU want.”
If only more business owners took a leaf out of your book.
That’s such a great new focus you’ve got going on.
Hazel recently posted…The definitive guide to online reviews: where to feature them and how to get them
Twitter: shoestring101
says:
Thanks, Hazel!
BTW went and read your post about online reviews. GREAT points, including clearing up the misperception that having a couple of bad reviews is a bad thing. Permission to link to it? You have a lot to say that complements, but doesn’t repeat, what I’ve talked about in my “Get Found on Google Locally” post.
Love to hear from my favorite Brit! Keep Stepping,
Kurt
Kurt Frankenberg recently posted…Get Found on Google Locally: Front Page, Zero Ad Spend!
Twitter: SEOPlusMore
says:
Go right ahead Kurt – permission granted!
Thanks for sharing it on Twitter too.
Great to be your favourite Brit!!
Hazel recently posted…The definitive guide to online reviews: where to feature them and how to get them
Twitter: BestDogLtd
says:
Well, I have gotten past the startup phase of my business. Now I need to focus on bringing in business that is most profitable and to focus on building that side of the business. Your new direction fits this perfectly, Kurt! I look forward to seeing what you’ve got for us next!
Twitter: shoestring101
says:
Yayy Nora! Yes, SS101 used to be all about the startup. But I believe that what I have to offer is certainly more suited to the past-the-first-year “veteran” biz owner. Welcome to the club Nora! And yes, I do have a few things cooked up for you. Thank you very much for your review on Facebook BTW.
Keep Stepping,
Kurt
Kurt Frankenberg recently posted…My New Direction for Shoestring101
Twitter: floxymartgodark
says:
I am happy to hear about the new direction you are taking now. Yes, focus on one thing is very necessary so that we can all have a direction to follow. Local business owners really need this. I am hook up already, let us ride
Twitter: shoestring101
says:
Yayy Florence! Happy to receive emails and comments from you in the past. Thanks for being a loyal reader. I’ll be serving up something new tomorrow, so look for it!
Keep Stepping,
Kurt
Kurt Frankenberg recently posted…My New Direction for Shoestring101
Exactly what I want/need!!
Keep stepping Frankenberg
Twitter: shoestring101
says:
Yippee Skippee! BTW Tina thank you for the glowing recommendations of my book, both on Amazon and from others I’ve heard from that bought it based on your opinion. I truly appreciate the value that you add. Keep watch here on SS101 for the military-grade marketing secrets to take your biz from good to great!
Keep Stepping,
Kurt
Kurt Frankenberg recently posted…My New Direction for Shoestring101
Twitter: dkendrafran
says:
I’m not going anywhere. I’ve enjoyed all your info (hope you’re going to continue access to the “old” stuff as I do re-read it). I expect to do the same with your new direction.
My blog has been fallow since June, and my marketing for both tangible and information products sucks (mostly from not CONSISTENTLY doing it). This sounds like it’ll be the kick in the patootie that I need to get going again.
D Kendra Franceso recently posted…âIn Todayâs Competitive Marketâ Doesnât Exist
Twitter: shoestring101
says:
Ahhh yes. The old green-eyed consistency monster đ Yup, I’ve found that sticking to one thing and doing it halfway good is sometimes waaay better than doing something excellently– SOMEtimes. Folks need and crave continuity. That’s my whole aim with this; I’ve have my focus too wide to really take a message far. So now we’ll travel a bit lighter and see where it takes us.
Thanks so much for being a loyal reader, D Kendra! Keep Stepping,
Kurt
Kurt Frankenberg recently posted…My New Direction for Shoestring101
Twitter: yousoundgr8
says:
Hi Kurt! I’ve been a fan for a couple of years, and even thought I don’t run a local business, and loved your startup-focused work (because I’ve started about 10 businesses in the past two years, trying to find one that stuck–which I have, hooray!), I’ll still be a loyal reader just ’cause I enjoy your writing and your simple explanations, and also because who knows what you throw out for local brick and mortar biznesses that might stick for my online biz? đ Best of luck in your new direction!
Twitter: shoestring101
says:
Jennifer! Thanks for all your kind words and supportive statements. I did wonder what might happen with some of my loyal readers if I narrowed my focus… don’t want to ignore or marginalize anyone. But I DO think it will serve a small number really, really well for me to stay on a more tight bandwidth. SO very glad to hear that you will still be a reader. Thanks, and as always…
Keep Stepping!
Kurt
Kurt Frankenberg recently posted…My New Direction for Shoestring101
Twitter: QuianaMurray
says:
I love love love this. As someone who has only recently began learning about you and your expertise, this just feels right! I so see a need for this in the marketplace and will keep sharing you/your site with my clients who have a local biz!
Quiana recently posted…Get More Of What You Love!
Twitter: shoestring101
says:
Ayyyy THANKS Quiana! There IS a need to delegate some duties, automate others, and free yourself up so you can freakin’ BREATHE a second. Business owners know this like no one else.
Yeah, local biz owners have 99 problems, but lead generation and new sales don’t need to be one đ Thanks for stopping in. Let me know how I may support Oh So Bold!
Keep Stepping,
Kurt
Kurt Frankenberg recently posted…Use Facebook Groups to Get Piles of New Customers For Your Local Business
Hey Kurt – I have often thought with your strong background in both digital marketing and building brick-n-mortar businesses, that a lot of so-called traditional businesses were missing out on your experience and knowledge. Your new focus will be a blessing to them. And, anyone starting a local business still has good reason to watch this site and learn from you. It’s a great clear and strong focus.
Twitter: shoestring101
says:
Thank you, Chad! The brick-and-mortar business has gone through a number of incarnations… back in the 80’s and early 90’s it was all about getting placed correctly in the Yellow Pages and using print ads in the local paper.
Now, not only can we get our ads up and running instantly, any time of year… but we can change them on the fly and measure the results more accurately than ever before.
PLUS! There are some powerful hacks for getting your message out for free, or even getting paid to do it.
The new direction will be all about helping local biz owners to do what we crave to do: set aside worrying about marketing and free up time and resources to grow our business.
Working ON our business for maximum growth… instead of IN it.
Keep Stepping,
Kurt
Kurt Frankenberg recently posted…Use Facebook Groups to Get Piles of New Customers For Your Local Business
Twitter: Authorjdyoder
says:
Great new direction for the site. Grassroots, automatic, and actionable is the way to go with any small biz. Great work.
J D Yoder
J D Yoder recently posted…The One Reason You Will NEVER Be Bored AgainâŚ
Twitter: shoestring101
says:
Thanks J.D.! All I wanna do now is be helpful to small biz owners in ONE category: Automating their marketing so they can get that vital piece handled. BTW, thanks for stopping by, and for what you’re contributing to this conversation. I loved your “Never Be Bored Again” post. Solid gold, gonna share that bit o’ wisdom with all of my kids…
Kurt Frankenberg recently posted…My New Direction for Shoestring101